Oakland Public Library - readinghttp://oaklandlibrary.org/taxonomy/term/200/0
enQ&A: Patrons Ask; Librarians Answer. How do you know if a person is cheating on the Summer Reading Challenge? http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-how-do-you-know-if-person-cheating-summer-
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<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Q: How&nbsp;do you know if a person is just cheating&nbsp;by filling in all the stickers but not reading?<span><img style="float:right" width="160" height="147" alt="A volunteer (unnamed) looking sneaky with her reading log." src="/sites/default/files/resize/events/quinn%20looking%20sneaky-160x147.JPG" /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">A: We <strong>don’t</strong> know!</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Of the approximately 500 kids who have signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge at my branch library, only 3 have had the audacity to ask this question. <br /></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">However,&nbsp;at the beginning of June, when I visited classrooms at a number of Oakland Public Schools (all the children's librarians do this every May &amp; June) to tell kids about the Summer Reading Program, another dozen kids asked the same question. At every school, there is always at least one person, usually in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, who asks me, "What if someone&nbsp;cheats and fills&nbsp;in all the stickers without reading anything at all?" </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">So I've answered this question a LOT. Here is what I say:</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none"><img style="float:left" width="240" height="160" alt="Bookshelves at Oakland Library" src="/sites/default/files/events/images/18496432072_199dd052ae_m.jpg" />We use the honor system, which means we trust you to read a little every day (we count days; not time, not books).&nbsp;We are confident&nbsp;that it's more fun to read something than it is to lie about it and then skulk around feeling like a cheater.&nbsp; </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">However, if you are one of the people who can't find anything you want to read for 15 (or even 5) minutes a day, you need to come talk to me!&nbsp; We have over 30,000 kids books at my branch alone, and it's my job to find the 1 book you really, really, really want to read this summer. (Maybe that is why we call it the Summer Reading Challenge!) </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Everyone needs help finding the right book sometimes. If you haven't yet found the book that makes you want to read, it's&nbsp;could be&nbsp;because you haven't yet asked your librarian for help. Come talk to me, and I will do everything I can to find the best book - the greatest book - the most fantastic book for you!&nbsp; <br /></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">You know what else? This is your summer vacation!&nbsp;We want you to be able&nbsp;to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy yourself. You get to pick whatever you want to read, so the 15 minutes a day should be 15 minutes that please you. If you hate fiction, pick up some non-fiction. If you had a bad experience with a fantasy that all your friends loved, try some science fiction, or a mystery. If you are sick and tired of comic books, read some history - or vice-versa! <br /></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">If we can't find a book that looks like fun&nbsp;for&nbsp;you to read, then probably what we need to do is find a book that <a title="Link to CD of True Meaning of Smekday in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1728223__SThe%20True%20Meaning%20of%20Smekday%20__P0%2C1__Orightresult__X7;jsessionid=736CA653A8D2ED27D972F6003E270538?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="200" height="184" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780307711120&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>looks like fun to hear read aloud. (I wish we had 20 copies of <a title="Link to CD of the True Meaning of Smekday in the Oakland Library catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1728223__SThe%20True%20Meaning%20of%20Smekday%20__P0%2C1__Orightresult__X7;jsessionid=736CA653A8D2ED27D972F6003E270538?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The True Meaning of Smekday</a> - a patron recommended it to me and it's the best.) It's my opinion that kids who don't like to read should sit back, close their eyes, and listen to a wonderful story reader.&nbsp;Usually, it's your mom or dad, a grandparent, or a sibling. If they are all busy, then there are professional story readers who make recorded books that you <a title="Books on CD for children at Oakland Library" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__S%28*%29%20f%3Ab%20c%3A22__Ff%3Afacetavailability%3Atrue%3Atrue%3AAt%20the%20library%3A%3A__Orightresult__U__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">can listen to on CDs</a> or as <a title="Link to OverDrive downloadable audiobooks for kids and teens" href="http://oakland.lib.overdrive.com/1806F3BA-49B5-42FE-BE5F-64A6E0A77587/10/50/en/Subjects05.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">downloadable audiobooks</a>. <br /></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">I'm not worried about you cheating, but it will break my heart if I&nbsp;missed the&nbsp;chance to help you find a good book. </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">If your librarian never seems to be available when you come to the library (waiting in line is SO hard for kids), try&nbsp;our new&nbsp;online service called <a title="Link to Book Me! online reader&#039;s advisory." href="http://oaklandlibrary.org/online-services/book-me" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Book Me!</a> to ask for help finding a book, or call your local branch&nbsp;library&nbsp;to find the best time to ask for personalized help. <br /></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">As always, if you have a comment, leave it below, and if you have a question you'd like us to answer online, click the button below. <br /></span></p>
<p><a title="Link to send us a question" href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img width="213" height="135" alt="Button; Ask Your Question here" src="/sites/default/files/events/Ask%20Your%20Question%20Button_4.jpg" /></span></a></p>
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In the thick of the Summer Reading Challenge, not everyone believes we should trust the readers...they ask us; How do you know if someone is cheating; filling in their reading log with stickers without actually reading anything at all?!?!! </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="320" height="294" alt="A volunteer (unnamed) looking very sneaky with her reading log" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/quinn%20looking%20sneaky.JPG?1435184985" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-how-do-you-know-if-person-cheating-summer-#commentsGreat Books and morereadingreading aloudSummer Reading ProgramThu, 18 Jun 2015 17:10:00 +0000Erica Siskind6480 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: How old do you have to be to get a library card?http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-how-old-do-you-have-be-get-library-card
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<p><strong>Q: How old do you have to be to get a library card? <a title="One book about going to the library for preschoolers." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1544533__SLibraries%20--%20Juvenile%20fiction.__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Ff%3Afacetlocations%3Arrj%3Arrj%3ARockridge%20Library%20-%20Children%27s%3A%3A__P1__O-date?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span><img style="float:right" width="200" height="226" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1580891136&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></a></strong></p>
<p><strong>A: Five years old, or in Kindergarten.</strong></p>
<p>Chloe&nbsp;(age 5): [beaming at her mom] I am five!</p>
<p>Librarian: Great! You can get your first card today! You can fill out the registration form on paper, or online, at the computer right next to the desk or at home.</p>
<p>Mom: Should we do it right now?</p>
<p>Chloe: Yes! Let's use the computer! Can I help you type?</p>
<p>Mom: Sure!</p>
<p>[After some interruptions from little brother, Leo, who just turned 3, they have completed the form, visited the Circulation Desk to get the card, and had a discussion about whether it would be better to put the "Now I have a library card" sticker on her shirt now, so her friend could see it, or tomorrow, so her friend AND her teacher could see it.&nbsp;Chloe couldn't decide, so she tucked it into her new blue wallet (comes with the card) to decide later.]</p>
<p>Mom: What book do you want to check out on your new card?</p>
<p>Chloe:&nbsp;Do they have more&nbsp;Charlie &amp; Lola books?&nbsp; <a title="Link to all the Charlie &amp; Lola picture books at Oakland Library" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__Scharlie%20lola%20picbk__O-date__U__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="200" height="220" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780803733794&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>Librarian: We might, let's look!&nbsp;...&nbsp;<a title="List of Charlie &amp; Lola books at Oakland Libraries" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__Scharlie%20and%20lola%20picbk__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Here's a list of all the Charlie &amp; Lola books that you can get at Oakland&nbsp;Libraries</a>. [Everyone crowds around the computer screen, while the librarian reads the&nbsp;titles aloud.] Which ones do you want to read?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Chloe: I want to read <a title="You too could check out Snow is my favorite! Look in our catalog, here." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1545832__SSnow%20is%20my%20favorite%21__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Snow is my favorite!</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Librarian: Okay. That one isn't here today, but we can put a hold on it for you so you can pick it up here next week. In the meantime, let's see which ones are here today for you to take home right away.</p>
<p>[There are 3, but she has read one of them already, so she takes the other two.&nbsp;Leo gets excited about a Dora book, and a few items from the Picture Book Non-Fiction section are tossed in&nbsp;Mom's bag - a book about dogs and a book about creatures in the garden,&nbsp;along with&nbsp;a number of other picture books and a few beginning readers. Finally, the family comes back to the desk.]</p>
<p>Mom:&nbsp;Are there any other books about getting a library card, or libraries in general?</p>
<p>Librarian: There are a few, let's see... [Again, we crowd around to see the list of titles. There are a lot! They decide to look for a few of them, and we jot down the authors&nbsp;of the picture books and the readers. The librarian shows them the shelves where they are kept.] If you can't find any of these, come get me, and I'll help you track them down. Don't forget to come back to put a hold on that one book!</p>
<p><a title="Midnight Library" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1964107__SGrabenstein%2C%20Chris.__O-date?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781596439856&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Amelia Bedelia&#039;s First Library Card" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1936975__SGrabenstein%2C%20Chris.__O-date?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780062095121&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Mr. Putter &amp; Tabby Turn the Page" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1972604__SGrabenstein%2C%20Chris.__O-date?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="95" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780152060633&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Dinosaur vs the Library" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1810638__SGrabenstein%2C%20Chris.__O-date?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="125" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781423133384&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Max &amp; Zoe at the Library" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1978600__Smax%20zoe%20library__Orightresult__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781404862104&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="D.W.&#039;s Library Card" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1128041__Sdws%20library%20card__Orightresult__U__X3?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="135" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0316110132&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Library Lion" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1535406__Slibrary%20lion__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="125" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0763622621&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Book! Book! Book!" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1094709__SLibraries%20picbk__P0%2C14__Orightresult__U__X1?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="125" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0439135257&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>[Again the family comes back to the desk.]</p>
<p>Librarian: Okay, so we're going to place a hold on&nbsp;a Charlie &amp; Lola book,&nbsp;which&nbsp;will get here in a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>[After some discussion,&nbsp;Chloe generously offers to check out books for her little brother on her new card.]</p>
<p>Librarian: That is&nbsp;very kind of you!&nbsp; How about today, you pick out two books for yourself on your brand-new card, and&nbsp;Mom will check out the other books for herself and for your brother. Then in 3 weeks&nbsp;your books will be due. After&nbsp;you return them, you can check out up to 40 items, and&nbsp;some of them can be&nbsp;for your brother.</p>
<p><a title="Link to another book about libraries!" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1941348__SLibraries%20--%20Juvenile%20fiction.__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Ff%3Afacetlocations%3Arrj%3Arrj%3ARockridge%20Library%20-%20Children%27s%3A%3A__P1__O-date?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:left" width="100" height="150" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780061935060&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>Chloe: Okay. [She shrugs.] Wait, did you say FORTY BOOKS?&nbsp; [Mom &amp; the Librarian nod YES.]</p>
<p>Librarian, to Leo: Your sister got a sticker today with her new library card. Would you like your own sticker?</p>
<p>[Leo sorts through all the stickers in the box, and picks out a Dora sticker. He immediately puts it on his shirt. The family then settles in with some coloring sheets, and Chloe happily gives the librarian any markers that have run out of ink. This is an important job that&nbsp;young people&nbsp;often help accomplish at our branch.] <a title="Link to a book with 4 short stories about magical library cards" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1462223__SGrabenstein%2C%20Chris.__O-date?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="200" height="294" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=059046731X&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>Librarian: By the way...Did you know this week is National Library Week?</p>
<p>Mom: We did not know that! That's pretty special!</p>
<p>Librarian: I'm curious; What made you decide to get a library card today?</p>
<p>Chloe: I was talking about library things and mommy said, "Speaking of the library, I think you could get a library card now."</p>
<p>Librarian: I'm so glad you came in today!&nbsp; See you again soon.</p>
<p><a title="Lottie Paris and the Best Place" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1873623__Slottie%20paris%20best%20place__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="200" height="155" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780689873782&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>And <strong>speaking of library things</strong>; Did you know...</p>
<p>...There are about 3,500 Kindergarten-age children in Oakland who have a library card!</p>
<p>...Oakland Public Library issued first library cards to 6,764 children (people under age 13) in the past year!</p>
<p>...A total of 35,000 children (people under age 13) currently have an active Oakland Public Library card.</p>
<p><a title="Link to complete an online library card registration." href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/using-library/library-cards" target="_blank"><strong>If you don't yet have your own library card, click here, or come talk to us.</strong> </a>Whether you paid taxes or got a refund this year, library workers appreciate your participation in the economy, and want to reciprocate by providing you with the best service, all&nbsp;throughout the year.</p>
<p>As usual, we'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, or ask us your question in person, or online.</p>
<p><a title="click here to submit your own question" href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="213" height="135" src="/sites/default/files/events/Ask%20Your%20Question%20Button_1.jpg" /></a></p>
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It&#039;s National Library Week! Although children&#039;s librarians talk with parents, caregivers, and children all day, every day, this week is special because we take a minute to appreciate the presence of libraries in our community. </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="400" height="400" alt="Cover of The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara. " src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/Midnight%20Library%20cover.jpg?1429142999" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-how-old-do-you-have-be-get-library-card#commentsGreat Books and moreLibrary cardsreadingThu, 16 Apr 2015 17:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind6116 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: Antidotes to teen romances for my precocious pre-teen?http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-antidotes-teen-romances-my-precocious-pre-
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<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><span><span>Q: My daughter is in 6th grade, and she’s an avid reader. She’s choosing teen stories that seem to actually be romances - vampires, warriors, rebels, detectives - they all seem to focus on the love interest in the end! I feel <span><span><span><span><span><img style="float:left" width="100" height="150" alt="Twilight is one of the books the 6th-grader had read." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0316160172&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></span></span></span>like it might be influencing her behavior toward the boys in her school - in a way that to me seems vulnerable. <strong>Do you have any good stories about strong female characters without the romance? </strong><img style="float:right" width="100" height="150" alt="Akata Witch - See below for details." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780670011964&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><span><span><strong>A: As your child continues to develop her individual identity, it would be nice to have a steady supply of role models in literature that show a variety. </strong></span><span>We can find plenty! </span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><span><span>As to her current reading choices; while romance is a real option for older teens, if younger people believe they should emulate it before they actually feel it from within, it could get confusing for them. </span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><span><span>You could talk to her to figure out what those romantic scenarios mean to her - at her age, she may be very interested in them, or she may be skimming those parts. Aim to keep the lines of communication open in both directions. She is still at the age where your opinion matters, and she may have questions for you if she can trust you to be open and nonjudgmental. </span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><span><span><img style="float:left" width="100" height="150" alt="Sabriel - see details below!" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/sabriel%20cover-100x150.jpg" />In any case, it is best to not interfere with your child’s reading choices. Those books are not going to damage her, and as much influence as they have, her family, her friends, and all the other books in the world have just as much or possibly more. </span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><span><span>So...your idea is perfect; have a couple of books on hand every time she finishes another one of those racy novels. Here are some ideas - these are stories that stay in the social &amp; emotional world of middle school kids ages 10 to 13, have strong, self-aware, individuated female characters who focus on their mission, their interests, and their own strengths, and don’t chuck it all for the hot guy in the end. </span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><span><span><strong>Fantasy &amp; Magic&nbsp;</strong> </span></span></p>
<p><span>Kat, Incorrigible (Burgis), Princess Curse (Haskell), Howls Moving Castle (Jones), Kiki's Delivery Service (Kadono), Tale of Two Castles (Levine), Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (Lin), Princess Ben (Murdock), Sabriel (Nix), Akata Witch (Okorafor), Wee Free Men (Pratchett), Golden Compass (Pullman), Thickety (White); &nbsp;</span><span><br /></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1823358__Skat%20incorrigible__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Kat, Incorrigible" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781416994473&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1810568__SPrincess%20Curse%20%28Haskell%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="Princess Curse" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780062008138&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1129228__SHowls%20Moving%20Castle%20%28Jones%29%2C%20__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="Howl&#039;s Moving Castle - also a great Miyazaki movie!" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0688062334&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1243115__SKiki%27s%20Delivery%20Service%20%28Kadono%29%2C%20__P0%2C2__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="130" height="200" alt="Kiki&#039;s Delivery Service" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1550377884&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1790524__STale%20of%20Two%20Castles%20%28Levine%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Tale of Two Castles" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780061229657&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1686393__SWhere%20the%20Mountain%20Meets%20the%20Moon%20%28Lin%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="136" height="200" alt="Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780316114271&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1640440__SPrincess%20Ben%20%28Murdock%29%2C__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Princess Ben " src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780618959716&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1450989__SSabriel%20%28Nix%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="130" height="200" alt="Sabriel (First in Abhorsen series)" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0060273224&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1782942__SAkata%20Witch%20%28Okorafor%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Akata Witch" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780670011964&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1276055__Swee%20free%20men__Orightresult__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Wee Free Men (first in series of 4 books)" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0060012366&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1423135__SGolden%20Compass%20%28Pullman%29SMCLN%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="Golden Compass (first book in His Dark Materials)" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780739345122&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1960178__Sthickety__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="140" height="200" alt="Thickety" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780062257246&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><strong><span><span>Science Fiction</span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span><span>Search for Wond-La (Diterlizzi), City of Ember (DuPrau), Skyjumpers (Eddleman), Wrinkle In Time (L'engle), True Meaning Of Smekday (Rex), When You Reach Me (Stead);</span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><strong><span><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1748455__STrue%20Meaning%20Of%20Smekday%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span> <img width="137" height="200" alt="Search for Wond-La" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781416983101&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1224494__Scity%20of%20ember__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="City of Ember" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0375822739&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1908579__STrue%20Meaning%20Of%20Smekday%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="131" height="200" alt="Sky Jumpers" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780307981271&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1024850__STrue%20Meaning%20Of%20Smekday%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="Wrinkle in Time" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0374386137&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1605052__STrue%20Meaning%20Of%20Smekday%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="True Meaning of Smekday" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0786849002&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1688388__STrue%20Meaning%20Of%20Smekday%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="131" height="200" alt="When You Reach Me" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780385906647&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><br /></span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 15.6pt"><strong><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span><span>Realistic Fiction</span></span></strong></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span><span>Breadwinner (Ellis), Mare's War (Davis), Lady Grace Mysteries (Finney, aka Cavendish), Harriet The Spy (Fitzhugh), Journey to the River Sea (Ibbotson), Thing About Luck (Kadohata), From The Mixed-Up Files Of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler (Konigsburg), Wild Girls (Murphy), Wonderstruck (Selznick), <span>Counting By 7s (Sloan), </span>At The Sign Of The Star (Sturtevant) Revolution (Wiles); </span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1161246__SBreadwinner%20%28Ellis%29%2C%20__P0%2C3__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="135" height="200" alt="Breadwinner (first in series)" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0888994192&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1691893__Smare%27s%20war__Orightresult__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Mare&#039;s War" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780375857140&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1836539__SGrace%20Finney%20Cavendish__P0%2C4__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="Lady Grace Mysteries (Assassin &amp; Betrayal, bks 1 &amp; 2)" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780385908214&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1125846__SHarriet%20The%20Spy%20%28Fitzhugh%29%2C__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="Harriet the Spy - see other editions too" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780385376105&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1161573__Sjourney%20river%20sea__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="137" height="200" alt="Journey to the River Sea" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0525467394&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1885717__SThing%20About%20Luck%20%28Kadohata%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="The Thing about Luck" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781416918820&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1129666__SFrom%20The%20Mixed-Up%20Files%20Of%20Mrs%20Basil%20E.%20Frankweiler%20%28Konigsburg%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="129" height="200" alt="From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0689205864&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1605038__SWild%20Girls%20%28Murphy%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="133" height="200" alt="Wild Girls " src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=067006226X&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1799127__SWonderstruck%20%28Selznick%29%2C%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Wonderstruck" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780545027892&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1895272__Scounting%20by%207s__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Counting by 7s" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780803738553&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1055047__Scounting%20by%207s__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="139" height="200" alt="At the Sign of the Star" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0374304491&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1963712__SWiles%2C%20Deborah__P0%2C1__O-date__U__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="132" height="200" alt="Revolution" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780545106078&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span><span>Each of these books is a favorite of mine for a different reason. (Okay, there are 2 on these lists I haven't read, but I have on good authority they are worth reading...) Your daughter won’t like every one of them, so please ask us how to narrow it down. If you click on the book cover, you can see if the book is in the library today, and place a hold if you like. </span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt"><span><span>Oakland Public Library Children's Librarians will answer questions on&nbsp; this blog the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.&nbsp;We'd love to hear your ideas and feedback in our comments (below).&nbsp; We also would love to answer YOUR question! Click&nbsp;here:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span><img width="213" height="135" alt="Click here to submit a question!" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/Ask%20Your%20Question%20Button_1.jpg" /></span></a></p>
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Children’s Librarians talk with parents, caregivers, and children all day, every day. Will my daughter lose her unique identity, trying to fit into the images she sees modeled in teen novels? The strong female characters all fall in love in the end! Can we get some strong-female novels appropriate for a 6th grade reader? </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="333" height="500" alt="The Princess Curse is one of the many books about strong girls" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/princess%20curse%20cover.jpg?1426721965" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-antidotes-teen-romances-my-precocious-pre-#commentsGreat Books and moremiddle-schoolreadingThu, 19 Mar 2015 17:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind6015 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: Do you have books that explain about the birds & the bees? http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-books-explain-about-birds-bees
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<p><strong><span><img style="float:left" width="150" height="100" alt="Shocked dad" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/shocked%20dad-150x100.jpg" />Q: My eight-year-old son is asking me about how babies are made. </span></strong>I gave him a short-version answer, and now he has a lot more questions. I'm realizing that my older daughter (now 12) probably had a lot of questions she didn't ask out loud when I gave her the simple answers a few years ago. What books do you have for both of them?</p>
<p><img style="float:right" width="100" height="120" alt="It&#039;s Perfectly Normal - a book cover." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780763644833&amp;erroroverride=1" /></p>
<p><strong>A: We have plenty of books on this topic for different ages.</strong> You will find it much easier to answer your children's questions with the help of some well-chosen books! Whether you read a book aloud to a younger child, give one to an older child to read herself, or simply read one yourself to get ideas of the best ways to respond to their questions, having some published information will help you teach your children about human development and reproduction.</p>
<p><a title="This links to a picture book for children about saying NO to inappropriate propositions. Obviously not an adult fiction book that everyone is talking about this week. " href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1307682__S%28inappropriate%29%20f%3Aa%20c%3A22__P0%2C7__Orightresult__U__X3?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:left" width="75" height="100" alt="Cover of a COMPLETELY inappropriate book for this blog post." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780345803481&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>You may not agree with every statement in all of these books – each family has their own set of values and perspectives. However, these books represent ideas that exist in the world, so responding to them either with agreement or disagreement will clarify for your children what you believe and what your expectations are for them, while at the same time sharing essential information they need to know.</p>
<p><a title="Link to a list of books for Kids ages 7 to 12, in WorldCat, about Human Reproduction &amp; Sexuality." href="https://www.worldcat.org/profiles/esiskind/lists/3528439" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Here are some books for kids to read on their own, or for you to read aloud to them:</a></p>
<p><a title="Link to It&#039;s So Amazing in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1013045__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="90" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0763600512&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to What&#039;s The Big Secret in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1506048__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="78" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0316109150&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to It&#039;s Perfectly Normal in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1693995__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="88" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780763644833&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Changing You in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1607989__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="70" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780525478171&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for &quot;Asking about sex...&quot; - NOTE; replacement copies on order as of 2/27/2015. " href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1747426__Sasking%20about%20sex%20and%20growing%20up__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="65" height="100" alt="Sorry, this book (Asking about sex &amp; growing up) is no longer available at the Oakland Library." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780061429866&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Ready, Set, Grow! in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1290537__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1557045879&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to On Your Mark, Get Set, Grow! in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1645150__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557047816&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Link to My Body, My Self For Girls in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1605730__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="80" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557047663&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to My Body, My Self For Boys in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1745741__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="80" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557047670&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to The Period Book in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1598324__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0802780725&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to What&#039;s Going On Down There? in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1511664__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="85" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0802786715&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Link to The Care &amp; Keeping of You 1 in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1963725__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="75" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781609580834&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to The Care &amp; Keeping of You 2 in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1877692__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="75" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781609580421&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Girl In The Know in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1731400__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="85" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781554533039&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Link to Growing Up Inside &amp; Out in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1935336__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="92" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781771470049&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you can see, they&nbsp;range from those books that simply explain how babies are made to those that explain what changes a body goes through that enable people to have babies!&nbsp;Those questions come up more as a child grows.</p>
<p><a title="Link to a list of books for Parents, in WorldCat, on the topic of reproduction &amp; sexuality." href="https://www.worldcat.org/profiles/esiskind/lists/3528011?view=&amp;count=50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Here are some books written for adults that give tips for talking about reproduction and sexuality, and about setting boundaries as they grow up: </a></p>
<p><a title="Link to &quot;Talk To Me First&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1844541__STalk%20to%20me%20first%20%3A%20everything%20you%20need%20to%20know%20to%20become%20your%20kids%27%20go-to%20person%20about%20sex__Orightresult__X4;jsessionid=0CED3BC6AFDA9B57958E42B332CE6BC4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780738215082&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;How To Talk With Your Kids About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1868710__SHow%20to%20talk%20with%20your%20kids%20about%20sex__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780849964459&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;What Your Child Needs To Know About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1811520__SWhat%20your%20child%20needs%20to%20know%20about%20sex%20%28and%20when%29%20%3A%20a%20straight-talking%20guide%20for%20parents__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781587612503&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;Great Answers to Difficult Questions About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1727169__SGreat%20Answers%20to%20Difficult%20Questions%20about%20Sex%20%3A%20What%20Children%20Need%20to%20Know.__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781849058049&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title=" What Your Kids Need to Hear From You About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1616890__SThe%20talk%20%3A%20what%20your%20kids%20need%20to%20hear%20from%20you%20about%20sex__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781583333105&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title=" A Parent&#039;s Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Children&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1761043__SFrom%20diapers%20to%20dating%20%3A%20a%20parent%27s%20guide%20to%20raising%20sexually%20healthy%20children__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557048103&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;Talking To Your Kids About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1200981__STalking%20to%20your%20kids%20about%20sex%20%3A%20from%20toddlers%20to%20preteens__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="69" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0965925838&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;Sex &amp; Sensibility ; A Parent&#039;s Guide To Talking Sense About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1079196__SSex%20and%20sensibility__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0738202932&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;The Available Parent&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1959357__SThe%20available%20parent%20%3A%20expert%20advice%20for%20raising%20successful%20and%20resilient%20teens%20and%20tweens__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781936740826&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>Children of every age have questions, and it's never to early to present an age-appropriate answer to any question they have. <a title="Erica&#039;s blog post last month about New Siblings, with some books for preschoolers about how babies are made." href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-some-books-prepare-our-child-n" target="_blank">(See the blog post from last month for books about how babies are made that are best for preschool-age kids.)</a> If your kids see you as a neutral and reliable source of information, you will have the basis for continuing communication as they become teenagers.</p>
<p><strong>We'd love to&nbsp;answer your question next!&nbsp;</strong>We assure confidentiality. <span><span><span>Oakland Public Library Children's Librarians answer your questions on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p><a title="Link to form to submit a question for the librarians." href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="213" height="135" alt="Button to push to submit a question!" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/Ask%20Your%20Question%20Button_0.jpg" /></a></p>
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Children&#039;s Librarians talk with parents, caregivers, and children all day, every day. This week: Human reproduction! If your post-Valentines conversation with your tweens &amp; pre-teens went from lovey-dovey to the birds-&amp;-bees, you might appreciate some literary support. This is a frequently-asked-question... </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="512" height="384" alt="Photo of peach-faced lovebirds kissing. " src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/lovebirds%20photo%20peach%20faced.JPG?1424232854" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-books-explain-about-birds-bees#commentschildrenGreat Books and moreRead-aloudreadingscienceThu, 19 Feb 2015 18:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind5822 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgParenting a Baby Part 2: Parenting Collections @ OPLhttp://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/parenting-baby-part-2-parenting-collections-opl
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<p><span><img style="float:right; margin:10px" width="336" height="421" src="/sites/default/files/events/BabyCR_0.jpg" />Is your baby having trouble sleeping through the night? &nbsp;Is breastfeeding not going well? &nbsp;How and when do you introduce food to babies? &nbsp;What are the appropriate developmental stages babies go through and when should babies go through them? &nbsp;Can babies learn sign language? &nbsp;And, of course, a topic close to my heart, how do you read to a baby?</span></p>
<p>Raising a baby is hard work and we are here to help. &nbsp;Last month I highlighted &nbsp;some of the programs we offer babies and their families. &nbsp;This month, we look at some of the materials we offer. &nbsp;All of Oakland's libraries have parenting books, magazines and DVDs that can help you figure out how to best care for a baby and answer any questions you might have. &nbsp;In fact, we have parenting materials for all ages of children and all kinds of families. &nbsp; Just go to our home page at <a href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org" title="www.oaklandlibrary.org">www.oaklandlibrary.org</a> and key in your search topic or ask a librararian for help.</p>
<p>Here are some of our favorite parenting books&nbsp;about babies. &nbsp;What are some of yours?</p>
<p><strong><img style="float:left" width="115" height="169" alt="Book Cover" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780062113313&amp;erroroverride=1" /></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<img width="132" height="164" alt="Book Cover" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781570615252&amp;erroroverride=1" />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img width="98" height="160" alt="Book Cover" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781558327207&amp;erroroverride=1" />&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;<img width="102" height="153" alt="Book Cover" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780143121602&amp;erroroverride=1" />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img width="100" height="153" alt="Book Cover" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0761131841&amp;erroroverride=1" />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img width="184" height="152" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=1904550398&amp;erroroverride=1" /></p>
<p><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1830611__Shappiest%20baby%20guide%20to%20great%20sleep__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep</a> /Harvey Karp</p>
<p><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1637312__SFeeding%20the%20Whole%20Family__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">Feeding the Whole Family</a><span>/Cynthia Lair</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://oaklandlibrary.org/The%20Nursing%20Mother%2526#039;s Companion" rel="nofollow">The Nursing Mother's Companion</a>/Kathleen Huggins</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1892090__SThe%20Read%20Aloud%20Handbook__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">The Read Aloud Handbook</a>/Jim Trelease</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1280798__SWhat%20to%20Expect%20the%20First%20Year__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">What to Expect the First Year</a>/ Heidi Murkoff et al.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1645076__SMy%20First%20Signs__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">My First Signs</a>/Annie Kubler</span></p>
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Oakland&#039;s libraries have parenting materials that will answer questions you may have about raising a baby. </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="336" height="421" alt="baby" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/blogs/images/childrens-services/BabyCR.jpg?1400523359" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/parenting-baby-part-2-parenting-collections-opl#commentsBabiesGreat Books and morereadingThu, 22 May 2014 17:00:00 +0000Helen Bloch4812 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: Can picture books fix my kid’s behavior problems? http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-can-picture-books-fix-my-kid-s-behavior-pr
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<p><span><span><span><strong>Q: Is there a Berenstain Bears book about not biting people? </strong>My daughter has been biting other kids at preschool. Her teachers say it’s getting worse! Is there a book I could read to her showing how wrong this is? </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><strong>A: Yes! Your question is a profound one. </strong>Children’s authors, publishers, teachers, parents, therapists, and children themselves have been seeing books as <a title="Definition of Bibliotherapy in Wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotherapy%20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>bibliotherapy</strong></a> for generations. As a result, there are a variety of books both silly and profound that could help in this si</span></span></span><a title="Search OPL catalog for No More Biting for Billy Goat" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1880699__Sbiting%20goat__Orightresult__X2;jsessionid=0E7CBC5244514E441D6956879F10BDCD?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span><span><span><span><img style="float:right" title="No more biting for Billy Goat! / Bernette Ford and [illustrated by] Sam Williams." width="137" height="139" alt="No More Biting for Billy Goat" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9781907967313&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span>tuation. <a title="Search ERIC for Read Two Books and Write Me in the Morning! by Maich &amp; Kean" href="http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ966510.pdf%20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>How can bibliotherapy help?</strong></a>Among other things, kids realize...</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span><span><span>It's okay to have feelings</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span><span><span>It's okay to talk about it</span></span></span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span><span><span>Other people have faced similar problems</span></span></span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span><span><span>There are different solutions available</span></span></span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span><span><span>Kids can solve problems&nbsp; <br /></span></span></span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>So, where to start? The easy answer is to look up your preschooler’s particular issue in our <a title="Search the OPL Catalog for books on biting" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__S%28biting%29%20f%3Aa%20c%3A22__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt%20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>online catalog</strong>.</a> (...type in <strong>biting</strong> – or any other behavioral issue – and limit to children's books.) If nothing comes up, we'd take a look at <a title="Search the OPL Catalog for this reference book; A to Zoo..." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1749115__Slima%20thomas%20a%20to%20zoo__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children’s Picture Books</strong></span></a>. It has picture books indexed under 1,215 subjects, including 53 different behaviors, from “animals, dislike of” to “worrying,” although, biting is not there – but we can look through the 35 books about “fighting.” A cool <a title="Children&#039;s Book Guide online book suggestions." href="http://childrensbooksguide.com/behavior/hiting-and-biting" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>online resource</strong></a>has a few more titles. The Berenstain Bears books often have a clear behavioral message, and kids like to hear stories about characters they know and love. Since there isn’t one on biting, you might take a look at this one; <a title="Search the OPL Catalog for Berenstain Bears Trouble with Friends" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1137512__SBerenstain%20bears%20and%20the%20trouble%20with%20friends%20__Orightresult__X7;jsessionid=3F98272EBBC11FCD0C9698D949989030?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends</strong></span></a></span></span></span></p>
<p><a title="Berenstain Bears &amp; the Trouble with Friends" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1137512__SBerenstain%20bears%20and%20the%20trouble%20with%20friends%20__Orightresult__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span><span><span><img style="float:right" title="The berenstain bears and the trouble with friends [electronic resource]." width="144" height="143" alt="Berenstain Bears &amp; the Trouble with Friends " src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780375982514&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></span></span></a></p>
<p><span><span><span>I am often asked for books to help a child overcome a particular problem – biting, hitting, whining, lying, stealing, teasing or bullying others, fears, sucking her thumb, screaming or throwing tantrums, etc. Practically every kid does something, sometime! So...is misbehavior a universal experience? </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>When I was a new parent, I read several <strong>parenting books</strong> that put forward the view that all children's negative behavior is an attempt to communicate. (Like the 3 below.) These authors proposed that when the behavior annoys, angers, scares, or hurts others, it's very likely an indication that the child has some strong or negative feelings. Therefore, the solution – to all irksome behavior – is to teach the child how to effectively communicate negative feelings &amp; whatever caused them. </span></span></span></p>
<p><a title="Search the OPL Catalog for Positive Discipline book" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1563592__SPositive%20discipline%20for%20preschoolers%20%3A%20for%20their%20early%20years--raising%20children%20who%20are%20responsible%2C%20respectful%2C%20and%20resourceful%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title=" for their early years--raising children who are responsible, respectful, and resourceful / Jane Nelsen, Cheryl Erwin, and Roslyn Ann Duffy." width="142" height="174" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=0307341607&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Search the OPL Catalog for How to Talk so Kids Will Listen &amp; Listen so Kids Will Talk" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1834220__SHow%20to%20talk%20so%20kids%20will%20listen%20%26%20listen%20so%20kids%20will%20talk%20Lw%3D%3D__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="How to talk so kids will listen &amp; listen so kids will talk / Adele Faber &amp; Elaine Mazlish ; illustrations by Kimberly Ann Coe ; with a new afterword: &quot;The next generation&quot; by Joanna Faber." width="112" height="173" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9781451663877&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Search the OPL Catalog for Life-Enriching Education" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1911883__SRosenberg%2C%20Marshall%20life-enriching%20education__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title=" Nonviolent Communication Helps Schools Improve Performance, Reduce Conflict, and Enhance Relationships / Marshall B Rosenberg PhD." width="123" height="171" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9781892005915&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p><span><span><span>An adult who spends a lot of time with a child teaches this vocabulary simply by saying aloud what they observe and guess about the child's feelings – but some things just don’t come up until a moment when the parent isn't there to interpret. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Books provide extra scenarios to absorb or to discuss feelings – the characters’, your own, and your child’s – so you don't have to wait for something to surprise you. Any book that shows characters having any feelings can start a conversation. The language of feelings is complex and may take a lifetime to fully explore. Here are my favorite books on the general topic of expressing feelings, in order from those for the youngest kids (2 years) to the oldest (about 9+ years):</span></span></span></p>
<p><a title="A Kiss Means I Love You - in OPL Catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SA%20kiss%20means%20I%20love%20you%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Kathryn%20Madeline%20Allen%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="A kiss means I love you / by Kathryn Madeline Allen ; photographs by Eric Futran." width="160" height="160" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780807541869&amp;erroroverride=1" /> </a><a title="How Are You Peeling? by Freymann" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1013015__SHow%20are%20you%20peelingPw%3D%3D%20%3A%20foods%20with%20moods%20Lw%3D%3D__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="How are you peeling? : foods with moods / Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers." width="141" height="158" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=0439104319&amp;erroroverride=1" />&nbsp; </a><a title="Feelings by Aliki" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1111624__SFeelings%20Lw%3D%3D%20Aliki__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="Feelings / Aliki." width="128" height="159" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=0688038328&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="A Kiss Means I Love You - in OPL Catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SA%20kiss%20means%20I%20love%20you%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Kathryn%20Madeline%20Allen%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> </a><a title="Todd Parr&#039;s Feelings Book" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1713797__SThe%20feelings%20book%20Lw%3D%3D%20Parr%2C%20Todd.__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="The feelings book / Todd Parr." width="156" height="156" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780316043465&amp;erroroverride=1" /> </a><a title="How Do You Feel by Anthony Browne" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1833060__SHow%20do%20you%20feelPw%3D%3D%20Lw%3D%3D%20Anthony%20Browne__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="How do you feel? / Anthony Browne." width="126" height="155" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780763658625&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="A Kiss Means I Love You - in OPL Catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SA%20kiss%20means%20I%20love%20you%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Kathryn%20Madeline%20Allen%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> </a><a title="I Have Feelings by Hunter" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1373629__SI%20have%20feelings!%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jana%20Novotny%20Hunter__Orightresult__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="I have feelings! / Jana Novotny Hunter ; illustrated by Sue Porter." width="118" height="149" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=1590341961&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="A Kiss Means I Love You - in OPL Catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SA%20kiss%20means%20I%20love%20you%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Kathryn%20Madeline%20Allen%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp; </a><a title="Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1512040__SToday%20I%20feel%20silly%20%26%20other%20moods%20that%20make%20my%20day%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Jamie%20Lee%20Curtis%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="Today I feel silly &amp; other moods that make my day / by Jamie Lee Curtis ; illustrated by Laura Cornell." width="180" height="149" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=0060245603&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="A Kiss Means I Love You - in OPL Catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SA%20kiss%20means%20I%20love%20you%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Kathryn%20Madeline%20Allen%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp; </a><a title="Free To Be You &amp; Me by Marlo Thomas" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1692056__SFree%20to%20be--%20you%20and%20me%20Lw%3D%3D%20conceived%20by%20Marlo%20Thomas__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="Free to be-- you and me / conceived by Marlo Thomas ; developed and edited by Carole Hart ... [et. al.] ; original editor, Francine Klagsbrun." width="144" height="157" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780762430604&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="A Kiss Means I Love You - in OPL Catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SA%20kiss%20means%20I%20love%20you%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Kathryn%20Madeline%20Allen%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </a><a title=" Care &amp; Keeping of Your Emotions by American Girl Publishing" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1935261__SThe%20feelings%20book%20%3A%20the%20care%20%26%20keeping%20of%20your%20emotions%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Lynda%20Madison__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title=" the care &amp; keeping of your emotions / by Lynda Madison ; illustrated by Josée Masse." width="111" height="157" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9781609581831&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="A Kiss Means I Love You - in OPL Catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SA%20kiss%20means%20I%20love%20you%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Kathryn%20Madeline%20Allen%20__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><br /></a></p>
<p><span><span><span>In addition, the popularity of some rather uncomfortable books illustrates how negative feelings are&nbsp;<span><span><span>human and common</span></span></span>– it really is a comfort when someone else (even a character in a book) struggles through similar feelings. Here are a few that are wonderful to read to a child. They convey that you will love her and take care of her, even when she has so-called bad feelings, and even when she makes mistakes:</span></span></span></p>
<p><a title="Grumpy Bird by Tankard" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1581455__SGrumpy%20Bird%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jeremy%20Tankard__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="Grumpy Bird / Jeremy Tankard." width="133" height="134" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=0439851475&amp;erroroverride=1" /> </a><a title="Ball for Daisy by Raschka" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1810631__SA%20ball%20for%20Daisy%20Lw%3D%3D%20Chris%20Raschka__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="A ball for Daisy / Chris Raschka." width="124" height="132" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780375858611&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="Grumpy Bird by Tankard" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1581455__SGrumpy%20Bird%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jeremy%20Tankard__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> </a><a title="How Do Dinosaurs Say I&#039;m Mad? by Yolen" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1934093__SHow%20do%20dinosaurs%20say%20I%27m%20madPw%3D%3D%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jane%20Yolen__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="How do dinosaurs say I&#039;m mad? / Jane Yolen ; illustrated by Mark Teague." width="107" height="142" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780545143158&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="Grumpy Bird by Tankard" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1581455__SGrumpy%20Bird%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jeremy%20Tankard__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> </a><a title="Sometimes I&#039;m Bombaloo by Vail" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1162641__SSometimes%20I%27m%20Bombaloo%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Rachel%20Vail%20__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="Sometimes I&#039;m Bombaloo / by Rachel Vail ; illustrated by Yumi Heo." width="137" height="137" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=0439087554&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="Grumpy Bird by Tankard" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1581455__SGrumpy%20Bird%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jeremy%20Tankard__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a><a title="Theo&#039;s Mood by Cocca-Leffler" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1897449__STheo%27s%20mood%20%3A%20a%20book%20of%20feelings%20Lw%3D%3D%20Maryann%20Cocca-Leffler%2C__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title=" a book of feelings / Maryann Cocca-Leffler." width="121" height="136" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780807577783&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="Grumpy Bird by Tankard" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1581455__SGrumpy%20Bird%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jeremy%20Tankard__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a><a title="My Friend is Sad by Willems" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1575150__SMy%20friend%20is%20sad%20Lw%3D%3D%20by%20Mo%20Willems__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="My friend is sad / by Mo Willems." width="98" height="136" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=1423102975&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="Grumpy Bird by Tankard" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1581455__SGrumpy%20Bird%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jeremy%20Tankard__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a><a title="This is Not My Hat by Klassen" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1856423__SThis%20is%20not%20my%20hat%20Lw%3D%3D%20Jon%20Klassen__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img title="This is not my hat / Jon Klassen." width="184" height="133" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9780763655990&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="Real Thief by Steig" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1076545__SThe%20real%20thief%20Lw%3D%3D%20Story%20and%20pictures%20by%20William%20Steig__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;<img title="The real thief. Story and pictures by William Steig." width="86" height="135" alt="" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=0312371454&amp;erroroverride=1" />&nbsp; <br /></a></p>
<p><span><span><span>All these books (and many others on unrelated topics) show characters feeling something and being heard – by the reader if not by the other characters in the story! </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>You may not need a book about a biter, a hitter, a screamer, a liar, a thief, or a tantrum thrower. Children's books, by providing a wide range of situations and responses, build the child's repertoire of familiar life experiences. Each book, on any topic, can build understanding, empathy, and self-awareness, and allow your child to witness or imagine possible responses. </span></span></span></p>
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Q&amp;A: Children&#039;s librarians answer questions from children, parents, caregivers, and teachers, all day, every day. Today; Can you find me a story to make my kid stop biting her preschool friends? </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="231" height="360" alt="Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is a great book, but not for building empathy." src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/blogs/images/childrens-services/Mrs%20Piggle%20Wiggle.jpg?1400136708" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-can-picture-books-fix-my-kid-s-behavior-pr#commentsbehaviorbibliotherapyGreat Books and morereadingreading aloudThu, 15 May 2014 17:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind4818 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: Or, occasionally – Young patrons gawp; librarians guess. http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-or-occasionally-young-patrons-gawp-librari
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<p><span><span><span><strong>Q: My child is too shy to ask questions. </strong>I want him to be confident, and to ask for&nbsp;what he needs. How do I get him to ask you questions himself? </span></span></span><span><img style="float:right" alt="Graphic from the ALA; National Library Week Logo - Lives change @ your library" src="http://www.alastore.ala.org/images/NLW14_poster_200x300.jpg" /></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><strong>A: Yes, i</strong><strong><span><strong>t's our job – parents, caregivers, and librarians, working together – to model the interactions that we'd like young people to conduct independently someday.</strong></span></strong><span> Your child is learning a million tiny things by simply observing you as you conduct yourself daily. With very little conscious effort, he's learning by watching what you do. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span>When you bring a young person to the library, show him (you&nbsp;may not&nbsp;need to tell him) how you wait your turn, make a friendly greeting, ask a question, clarify if we're on the right track or not, and thank the staff person for the help you received. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span>Once your child has observed&nbsp;this several times, pick an unhurried day&nbsp;and ask&nbsp;him if he's ready to try it on his own. Some kids are bold and need very little prompting. Others want to know it will go smoothly before they even try. Many kids start, and then get stuck and need a little help. Eventually, we learn to speak up on our own behalf. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span>The interaction below is NOT ideal! Sometimes the librarian has a line of people waiting. However, I'm sharing it because it illustrates something not everyone realizes: <em>The librarian is friendly.</em> She or he is going to do whatever she or he can to get what information or reading material you need or want. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span>You can play “library” at home or in the car, and pretend/practice the question-and-answer process. Then come by and give it a try. We love talking to kids about what they're reading and helping them find information. </span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><strong>One afternoon at the library: </strong></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>A mother and her son enter the library, and walk toward the Children's Reference Desk. They wait for the person ahead of them in line to finish, and then approach the Children's Librarian. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>MOM (to Librarian): Hello! We'd like a little help. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>MOM (to child): Tell the librarian what you need.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID: No, you tell her.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: No, go on. You tell her!</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID: No, no, no. I won't. You have to.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: Go ahead and ask your question. Look, it's your turn now.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID: You ask her!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Okay, okay, </span></span></strong><strong><span><span><span style="text-decoration:underline">I'll</span></span></span></strong><strong><span><span> ask you! </span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>(Kid is surprised &amp; looks directly at Librarian for the first time)</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Okay, let's see...You have a question, right?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: (quietly) Yes.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Let me see...Do you need something at the library?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: Yes.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Okay, I'm going to guess. Is it a book?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: Yes!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Okay, a book. That's good. We have lots of books. Hmm...Is this a book for your own fun, or is this for a school assignment?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: For school.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Okay, for school. ...and what grade are you in?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: First.</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Okay, a book for a school assignment for first grade. That narrows it down....but I need more information. Are you going to tell me, or should I guess?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: You guess!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Okay (rubbing my face, thinking...) ...Does this assignment have to do with the Phases of the Moon?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: No!</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: Just tell her, don't make her guess!</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID: (looking at her like she is crazy, because obviously this could be fun)</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: ...Is the assignment about an Animal?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: No!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Ummm...Is the assignment about...The Revolutionary War? </span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: No!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: I could really use a clue here...Do you want to tell me what you need a book about? </span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: Keep guessing! </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: ...but it does have something to do with history...!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Oh, good, I needed a clue!&nbsp; So, it's about history...Is the assignment about World history, or United States history?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: The United States!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Great! We are really narrowing it down...Are you looking for a book about the history of a person or a place or a time period?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span><span><span>KID: It's a report about a place.&nbsp;<img style="float:right" width="200" height="300" alt=" I Heart My Library buttons" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/images/I%20Heart%20My%20Library.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span><strong><span><span>Librarian: </span></span></strong>All right, now we're cooking! I wonder if it is about a state? </span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: Yes, it is about a state! </span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: All right...is it California, by any chance?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: No, that's my friend's state! </span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian:&nbsp; Oh, no! You are not going to make me guess every single state are you?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: (gleefully) Yes!!!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: ...Wait a minute, I think we are close enough already...(getting up from desk, walking past them)...Follow me!&nbsp;We're going to figure this out!</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>KID: (looks up at his mom with wide open eyes)</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: Let's follow her! </span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Right over here...these shelves right here have all the books on the United States, one state at a time. Starting with the north-east, going to the south-east, then the mid-west, then the south, then the west...Hmmmm...Which state could it be?</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: I see it!!!</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID: Where?!?! </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: <span><span><span><span>(Mom craftily plays both sides of the game...the knowing and the not-knowing side...)</span></span></span></span>&nbsp; What letter does it start with? </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID: It starts with a "V". </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>...He's looking...The adults are waiting...It doesn't take long...</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID: Here it is! I found it!</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: Aha, it was <a title=" Virginia" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1779288__Svirginia%20juvenile%20literature__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Ff%3Afacetlocations%3Arrj%3Arrj%3ARockridge%20Library%20-%20Children%27s%3A%3A__P0%2C1__O-date__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Virginia</a>! And it looks like we have more than one book. &nbsp;I'm so glad you found something. Go ahead and take them all off the shelf, and open them up. We have books for different reading levels, so you'll want to pick the one that is just right for you. </span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>MOM: (to Librarian) Thank you so much. &nbsp;(to her son) Say thanks!</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>KID:&nbsp;My grandma &amp; grandpa&nbsp;are in Virginia. </span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Librarian: You're welcome.</span></span></strong><span><span> (His look of astounded satisfaction is a sufficient expression of gratitude.)</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span><span>I'm sure he and I will have another opportunity to practice the Q&amp;A process. People who know how to ask librarians for help get a lot more out of their tax dollars. It's National Library Week. Practice asking your librarian a question today! </span></span></p>
<p><span><span><img title="Virginia / David C. King and Stephanie Fitzgerald." width="189" height="257" alt=" Virginia from the OPL Catalog" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=M&amp;Value=9781608700608&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></span></p>
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Q&amp;A: Children&#039;s Librarians answer questions all day, every day, from children, parents, caregivers, and teachers. How do children learn to ask questions? </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="200" height="255" alt="Logo from the ALA for National Library Week. &quot;Lives change at your library.&quot;" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/images/lives%20change%20at%20your%20library.jpg?1397627316" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-or-occasionally-young-patrons-gawp-librari#commentsActivities & TipsQuestionsreadingThu, 17 Apr 2014 17:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind4601 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A Patrons ask; librarians answer. Killjoys: Judgment, Shame, & Frustration (Reluctant Readers, part 3)http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-killjoys-judgment-shame-frustration-reluct
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<p><span><span><strong>Q: I'm ready for him to move on! </strong>My son has been reading Garfield books <strong>forever</strong>! (or Junie B. Jones, Captain Underpants, Rainbow Magic, Geronimo Stilton, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or endless hours of comics.) Isn't it time for him to read harder books? </span></span><span><span><span><img style="float:right" width="262" height="217" alt="Old illustration of baby getting thrown out with bathwater" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/Dont%20throw%20baby%20out%20with%20bathwater%20pic.jpg" /></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><strong>A: Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. </strong><span>While those books ma</span></span></span><span><span><span>y </span></span></span><span><span><span>seem as worthless as old bathwater; repetitive, stale, and stagnant to you, in fact r</span>e-reading or reading formula</span></span><span><span>ic writing builds fluency and increases comprehension – but the baby in this </span></span><span><span>metaphor is your son's fledging motivation. In your efforts to dump those stale books, make sure you're not dumping something much more valuable and significant: his sense of autonomy, confidence, and inspiration.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>How can all those positive feelings come from reading formulaic writing? Well, let me ask you: Was your son eager to get another book in the series? Did he focus on it to the exclusion of other activities? Was he so enthralled by it, he recounted the whole story to you? Did he beam at you with the next volume in his hand? Well – You can't separate his enthusiasm, focus, and spontaneous memorization from the qualities of the particular books he chooses. However, you seem to have an avid reader on your hands, so your work here may be done! He is building neural pathways that connect the activity of reading with feelings of joy. Brain research confirms that Aristotle was right when he wrote “We are what we repeatedly do.” Adult avid readers confirm that they built their own habit of reading with practically any content – pulp fiction, comics, magazines, or whatever else might have motivated them when they were young. (<a title="Bryn Mawr 2005 study on how habits are formed" href="http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web1/mmcgovern.html#2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">See this study for the science behind building positive habits</a>.) </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>So, do not get all </span></span><span><span><img style="float:left" width="252" height="191" alt="boy reading manga" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Young_boy_reading_manga%201-252x191.jpg" /></span></span><span><span>control-freakish at this point. How you handle your frustration with his reading choices matters. D</span></span><span><span>on't batt</span></span><span><span>le<span><span> over this. If his reading choice seems too easy, too obnoxious, poorly written, or a challenge to your values, try to not judge. If you object to the c</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>ontent, discuss it with your child and add your own perspective and un</span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>derstanding. In fact, this is an excellent way to make sure he knows your values! </span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span>It won't hurt to promote the reading choices you prefer – the books you consider more quality literature, the challenging ones, the ones you learned so much from when you were his age. However, my observation and experience is that your influence is strongest when it is</span></span><span> respectful and without shame. Shame kills motivation. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><strong>Okay, so what do I do? </strong></span><span>When you visit the library together, let him pick out anything he wants. Accept it. You can also pick out what you want him to read. You can share book trailers to turn him on to literature outside his comfort zone. (Here are some <a title="Book Trailers from Niagara Falls Library" href="http://www.pinterest.com/niagarafallslib/kids-book-trailers-upper-elementary/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">kid recommended ones</a>, some from <a title="Children&#039;s Book Guild of Washington, DC" href="http://www.childrensbookguild.org/book-trailers" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Washington, DC</a>, some <a title="Blog entry from Miriam Medow a few weeks ago" href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/book-trailers-kids" target="_blank">chosen by OPL librarians</a>, and some from the recent <a title="James Kenney&#039;s 90-Second Newbery samples" href="http://jameskennedy.com/2013/07/04/the-25-most-popular-90-second-newbery-videos-so-far/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">90-second Newbery film festival</a>.) </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>&nbsp;<img width="270" height="180" alt="boy reading to his mom at bedtime" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/read-kids-bedtime-6107220-h1.jpg" /></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>You can also wave your arms around and tell him why your favorite book is truly fantastic! That's wonderful and funny. But you must respect his process. Don't push too much. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Your child’s feelings of confidence and autonomy are more important than your pride in his accomplishments. Be patient, and you are likely to get both. Do not let your judgment (or society’s) squash his enthusiasm and kill his reading habit before he gets to what you think is the good stuff. </span></span></span></p>
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Q&amp;A: As Children&#039;s Librarians, it&#039;s our job to answer questions from children, parents, caregivers, and teachers. Part three responds to a question about kids reading trashy junk &amp; endless series. </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-killjoys-judgment-shame-frustration-reluct#commentsActivities & TipsLearning-to-readLiteracyreadingThu, 20 Feb 2014 06:54:00 +0000Erica Siskind4345 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A Patrons ask; librarians answer. The Dangers of Reading Aloud (Reluctant Readers, part 2)http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-dangers-reading-aloud-reluctant-readers-pa
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<p><strong><span><img style="float:right; margin:5px" width="300" height="284" alt="Illustration by Richard Scarry of bunny reading newspaper" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Illustration-by-Richard-Scarry-of-bunny-reading-newspaper_0-300x284.gif" />Q:&nbsp; You say it's okay to read aloud</span></strong> to my daughter even though she's 9 years old and she thinks everyone in her class is ahead of her, <strong>BUT I'm still worried</strong> that it's becoming a crutch for her to avoid learning to read on her own. <strong>Are you sure I'm not sabotaging her work</strong> or impeding her progress by continuing to read aloud to her?</p>
<p><strong>A:&nbsp; Yes, I'm sure.</strong> From my experience – talking to kids, parents, and teachers for the past 18 years, and reading studies on literacy, the only potential down-side of reading aloud to your daughter is that she may do worse on spelling tests. The up-sides, on the other hand, are many:</p>
<ul>
<li>She can relax and enjoy the story. (Enjoying reading is crucial. <a title="Reluctant Reader Part 1 Blog entry from last month" href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-reluctant-reader" target="_blank">See last month’s blog entry.)</a></li>
<li>She can do other things while listening. Sometimes the issue with late-blooming readers is they don't want to or can't sit still long enough, or hold their eyes steady long enough to get from the top of the page to the bottom. Let her do a puzzle, play with string, squeeze a rubber ball, fold laundry, brush the dog's hair. She will develop stillness in her own time.</li>
<li>She'll understand more of what's happening in the book, especially if you read in your most dramatic voice, emphasizing the emotional content and the action. Your voice amplifies the meaning behind the words. She is more likely to become absorbed in the story.</li>
</ul>
<p><img style="float:right; margin:5px" width="350" height="235" alt="Drawing of kids doing puzzle, listening to book" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Drawing-of-kids-doing-puzzle-listening-350x235.gif" /></p>
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<li>When there's a vocabulary word she doesn't know, or the story brings up complicated issues, she can ask you any questions she has instantly.&nbsp; (Of course this applies to all genders. If you have a reticent child of any gender, feel free to start the dialogue. It's okay once in a while to ask, “Do you know what this means?”...but don't ask too often – it can be insulting. Asking “What do you think?” or “What would you do?” Can be alternated with sharing your own thoughts and experiences, so it won’t feel like a pop-quiz.)</li>
<li>She could develop a habit of talking to you about complex issues or things she doesn't understand, knowing you will discuss things without judgment. Wouldn’t it be great if she continues this habit into her teenage and adult years? The part about being non-judgmental matters; all questions are good ones.&nbsp;</li>
<li>As a result of hearing books read aloud to her, she’ll be better able to participate in classroom discussions. Her enthusiasm (without the trauma of forced reading) may inspire her to speak up, and she’ll be better prepared after the thoughtful discussion you've started together.&nbsp; She’ll become a part of the reading community.<img style="float:right; margin:5px" width="287" height="335" alt="Drawing of dad reading to kid, who imagines adventure" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Drawing-by-Eli-of-parent-reading-adventure-stories-to-kid-287x335.gif" /></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Okay, but</strong>…“What if my daughter’s teacher insists that she reads on her own? What if she still worries she may be teased about not managing by herself?”&nbsp; Try this: Pick out any book she wants to read, read a chapter together at home, and when she takes it to school she will re-read it on her own. Reading aloud to her in a calm, relaxed environment will help her build a rich and varied vocabulary, and keep pace with her friend's reading.&nbsp;</p>
<p>NOTE: At any age, the effort to call up memories of stories is a great way to improve reading skills.&nbsp; Even if your daughter is accused of “memorizing” chunks of text to impress her teacher or classmates, appreciate her desire to participate in class! Not everyone can pull this off – give her a high-five if she can recite pieces of the story from memory.</p>
<p><strong>Don't try this at home!&nbsp;</strong> - Just kidding; the whole point is to try this at home. There is no danger in reading aloud to a fellow human being, of any age. Many other things can hurt them; not this.</p>
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Q&amp;A: Children&#039;s Librarians answer questions all day, every day, from children, parents, caregivers, and teachers. This is part two in our series sharing questions from patrons and answers from a children&#039;s librarian. </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-dangers-reading-aloud-reluctant-readers-pa#commentsActivities & TipsLearning-to-readRead-aloudreadingThu, 06 Feb 2014 19:31:20 +0000Erica Siskind4310 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A Patrons ask; librarians answer. The Reluctant Readerhttp://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-reluctant-reader
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<p><strong>The Reluctant Reader. Part 1.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Q: My son is 8 years old and he hates reading.</strong> It's like torture to get him to sit still for the 20 minutes each day his teacher requires. I'm at my wit's end. I'm worried about him, and I know he's feeling stressed about it, too. What can I do?</p>
<p><strong><span><img style="float:left; margin:5px" width="130" height="147" alt="sketch of a librarian ready to take notes" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Librarian-ready-to-take-notes-130x147.gif" />A: It's not time to panic.</span></strong> I've met plenty of kids who say they don't like to read, and who avoid reading at all costs, and yet they grow up to be readers. Parents don’t always know that each person starts reading in their own good time. Statistically, this often happens sometime around or before 3rd grade, but it's not universally true that by 3rd grade everyone reads on their own. Plenty of bright children become readers later than anyone expected.</p>
<p>The single best predictor of whether or not a child will learn to read, read capably and with ease, and read for pleasure for the rest of his or her life is <strong><em>whether or not he or she enjoys reading.</em></strong></p>
<p>“Yes, but how do I make this happen?” you ask? The two best ways you can help your child enjoy reading are:</p>
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<li><span>Read aloud to him</span></li>
<li><span>Let him choose his own reading material</span></li>
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<p>If we enjoy something, we put more energy into it, we are patient with ourselves about it, and we keep trying even if we don't succeed immediately. You are the ideal person for this job; to give your child the joy of reading. Share your enthusiasm with your son. Allow him to choose what he wants to read, and then read it to him – up until the moment when he says he wants to read it on his own.</p>
<p><img style="float:right; margin:5px" width="236" height="306" alt="sketch of a kid reading to her mom" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Kid-reading-to-mom-236x306.gif" /></p>
<p>As you visit the library and read aloud to him, try for a light-hearted, breezy, low-stress attitude. If your son continues to express dismay, frustration, disappointment in himself, or fear about his abilities, I would suggest that you acknowledge his feelings, and then tell him that eventually it will “click” for him. In the meantime, enjoy your time together.</p>
<p>Don't fear that you must read aloud to him for the rest of his life. This phase can last just long enough so he gets the strong message that reading is fun, it's important enough to you to really spend time on it, and you are enjoying this parent-child activity as much as he is. At some point, his ability to sit still, focus on the page long enough, recognize a sufficient number of words by sight, and bring various decoding skills into play without strain will all reach critical mass, and he'll embrace reading on his own. It will happen eventually.</p>
<p>Note: If your child is struggling with other issues like nearsightedness, dyslexia, or another condition that might need some attention, know that the signs of those kinds of constraints could be subtle, and not very different from what is perfectly, developmentally normal in all children. It doesn't change the advice here, but there may be other work involved to get him from where he is today to being an enthusiastic reader. If you observe or suspect something like this, talk to your child’s teacher or pediatrician.</p>
<p>“Wait!” you say? “I need a book, not advice.” Okay, I get it! When you go to the library, talk to the children's librarian. Mention that you want to find a good book to read aloud to your son, age 8, and to make sure it's a really captivating, exciting, wonderful story. So many people ask this question, that we will know how to take it from there. Try us.<img style="margin:5px" width="450" height="256" alt="sketch of mom reading to kids at a table" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Mom-reading-at-table-450x256.gif" /></p>
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Q&amp;A: Children&#039;s Librarians answer questions all day, every day, from children, parents, caregivers, and teachers. This is part one in a series sharing a question from a patron and an answer from a children&#039;s librarian. </div>
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<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="64" height="64" alt="Graphic of question marks." src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/question%20icon.png?1387590563" /> </div>
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http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-reluctant-reader#commentsActivities & TipsLearning-to-readLiteracyRead-aloudreadingThu, 16 Jan 2014 18:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind4103 at http://oaklandlibrary.org